The household of a father who was shot and killed throughout an encounter with Los Angeles Law enforcement officials is demanding justice and accountability for his demise.
Takar Smith, 46, a father of six, was considered one of three individuals who have been killed throughout separate encounters with officers throughout the first week of 2023.
After Takar was fatally shot throughout what his household says was a psychological well being disaster, they’re now planning to file a lawsuit towards the LAPD.
Authorities say they’re conducting a full investigation into the taking pictures which may take weeks, however the household desires solutions now.
“Simply know that he was an amazing particular person,” stated Raischard Smith, Takar’s brother.
Raischard and his household held a press convention outdoors LAPD headquarters on Friday to recollect Takar.
“It looks as if we referred to as on the unsuitable folks for assist,” stated Raischard. ‘We are able to’t hold calling the legislation out right here to kill us like this.”
Full bodycam footage of the taking pictures was launched by LAPD Chief Michael Moore on Wednesday.
Within the video, officers reply to an condo on the 200 block of South Witmer Avenue in Westlake on Jan. 2.
Tamar’s spouse, Shameka, tells officers Takar was violating a restraining order by getting into her condo and allegedly refusing to depart. She additionally advised police he was experiencing a psychological well being disaster and had entry to a knife inside her residence.
Shameka stated she advised police her husband needs to be admitted right into a psychological well being facility.
“I wished the police to assist me and so they failed, they actually failed me,” stated Shameka.
Bodycam footage reveals officers talking to Takar inside Shameka’s condo whereas trying to coax him outdoors.
Takar seems resistant and finally heads to the kitchen the place he grabs a big knife throughout the encounter. Officers are seen instantly tasing Takar till he drops the knife.
Whereas Takar is on his knees, he grabs the knife once more and lifts it above his head. That’s when officers fireplace a number of pictures at Takar, killing him.
LAPD Chief Michael Moore expressed considerations that neither the officers nor police dispatch contacted psychological analysis items for assist whereas being conscious of a potential psychological well being situation.
“Why did they not contact that group on this explicit incident?” requested Eric Valenzuela, the household’s lawyer. “This particular person was shot on his knees. He was not advancing in direction of them.”
Mayor Karen Bass launched a press release on Wednesday calling the incident ‘“deeply disturbing” saying partially:
“I’ve grave considerations in regards to the deeply disturbing tapes that have been launched at the moment. It doesn’t matter what these investigations decide, nonetheless, the necessity for pressing change is evident. We should cut back the usage of pressure general, and I’ve completely no tolerance for extreme pressure.
Particularly as a former healthcare skilled, I’m deeply troubled that psychological well being specialists weren’t referred to as in, even when there was a documented historical past of previous psychological well being disaster. When there is no such thing as a instant threat to others, legislation enforcement should not be the primary responder when somebody is experiencing a psychological well being disaster. I consider officers and Angelenos agree on this.”
The Smith household desires the neighborhood to recollect Takar as a loving son and father of six youngsters.
They are saying he’s similar to many others who battle with psychological well being points and who deserved assist at a time when he wanted it most.
“When folks name for assist, we’re not calling for executions,” stated Raischard. “However now we’re calling for justice.”
The household’s legal professional plans to file a lawsuit towards the LAPD for Takar’s demise.
KTLA has confirmed the officers concerned have since been positioned on administrative go away.
